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Plain and Simple Miracles #1
Anna's Healing
When a tornado strikes, Anna Schwartz's life is changed forever. She suffers a spinal cord injury and finds herself learning to live as a paraplegic. But then a miracle happens, and the world's attention is drawn to this young Amish girl who has experienced the unexplainable.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
217 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
Vannetta Chapman
128 books1,453 followersVannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.
Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.
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Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.
Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook! For more information, visit her at http://vannettachapman.com
https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChap...
http://vannettachapman.com/blog/
https://www.instagram.com/vannettacha...
http://vannettachapman.com/book-list/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 12, 2022
Chloe Roberts is a journalist who is trying to write an article on the Amish produce stands for a local newspaper. This is how she meets Anna. She pulls up to the farm stand one day, not realizing she is about to make friends with a young woman who will change her life. She introduces Anna to her mother who is involved in making quilts for Project Linus, which will play a big part in Anna’s life down the road. I thoroughly enjoyed ANNA’S HEALING and quickly came to really care about all of the characters I was introduced to.
ANNA’S HEALING is the first book in the Plain and Simple Miracles series. Anna is injured in A tornado and suffers a life changing spinal cord injury. Once back home, Anna has a tough time adjusting to living life as a paraplegic. Who wouldn’t? Jacob is a young man who has no real roots who has come to help out on Anna’s uncle’s farm. He is determined not to let Anna fall into depression. When he first arrived at the farm, he couldn’t help but be attracted to Anna’s infectious smile. He is determined to get that smile back on her face.
One day a miracle happens and Anna wakes up healed. Well, this is when all the trouble for Anna begins. The media swarms her uncle’s farm as well as people who want her to heal them. Is ANNA’S HEALING a miracle? Do you think this will effect Anna’s family and friends? Will they stand by her and accept things that have happened? Hang on tight people. This will be unlike any other Amish fiction book you have read and if you are like me, you will love every minute of it!
ANNA’S HEALING really pulls at your heart strings. I was instantly caught up in the characters lives and business. It was almost as if I were sitting at the table with them and we were all friends. Anna’s friends and loved ones are all pulling for her and trying to help her adjust to her new life. It is wonderful that she has their support because she is really going to need it. Vannetta’s novels always leave me thinking about the choices I have made in my own life and how I can be a better person. I look forward to reading more of this heartfelt series.
ANNA’S HEALING is the first book in the Plain and Simple Miracles series. Anna is injured in A tornado and suffers a life changing spinal cord injury. Once back home, Anna has a tough time adjusting to living life as a paraplegic. Who wouldn’t? Jacob is a young man who has no real roots who has come to help out on Anna’s uncle’s farm. He is determined not to let Anna fall into depression. When he first arrived at the farm, he couldn’t help but be attracted to Anna’s infectious smile. He is determined to get that smile back on her face.
One day a miracle happens and Anna wakes up healed. Well, this is when all the trouble for Anna begins. The media swarms her uncle’s farm as well as people who want her to heal them. Is ANNA’S HEALING a miracle? Do you think this will effect Anna’s family and friends? Will they stand by her and accept things that have happened? Hang on tight people. This will be unlike any other Amish fiction book you have read and if you are like me, you will love every minute of it!
ANNA’S HEALING really pulls at your heart strings. I was instantly caught up in the characters lives and business. It was almost as if I were sitting at the table with them and we were all friends. Anna’s friends and loved ones are all pulling for her and trying to help her adjust to her new life. It is wonderful that she has their support because she is really going to need it. Vannetta’s novels always leave me thinking about the choices I have made in my own life and how I can be a better person. I look forward to reading more of this heartfelt series.
September 8, 2015
Between the title and the prologue, you'd think there might not be much suspense to this novel. But as usual, Vannetta Chapman draws you into a carefully woven book that's hard to put down.
The story unfolds slowly - Chapman wants you to identify with her characters, and spends the time needed to show you they are multi-dimensional. Anna is a young Amish woman who has left her parents' family in Indiana to spend a year with her Mammi and aenti and onkel in Cody' Creek, Oklahoma. She makes an Englisch friend when reporter Choloe stops by the produce stand where Anna reads library books between customers. We soon see that each of these young women is examining her purpose in life (beyond their mothers' desire for marriage and grandchildren!). Add Jacob Graber, who has left his parents' farm in New York to travel as a migrant Amish farmhand while he considers God's will. I have to say that I especially enjoyed the chapters when Jacob defends another worker from a bully, which leads to his ending up in (surprise!) Oklahoma. How often our plans are derailed (for good) by our unplanned actions. By following our hearts, we wind up just where God wants us.
But what if where God wants us is not where we want to be? Anna is injured by a tornado that sweeps through her onkel's farm during harvest time. Her spinal cord is severed, and she is left a paraplegic. She struggles with depression and re-evaluating her purpose on earth. Here is where we see her aenti and onkel blossom as they care for her. And the power of her Mammi's faith and love. Like the paralytic in the gospel account, it is the faith of others that brings the impossible healing Anna had given up hoping for.
The "healing" mentioned in the title is, surprisingly, not the climax of the book. I won't spoil your read by giving away too many details, but Chapman's point is that true happiness is not getting what we want, but wanting what we get. Accepting God's will is the only path to contentment. By the end of this story, we see Anna and Jacob and Chloe realizing that familial love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle, any storm.
I think this book was very realistic as it dealt with the emotional and spiritual struggles of each character. Anna's dreams were described in such a way that I could actually feel her confusion as frustration. Both young women's relationships with their mothers reminded me as a mom that I cannot protect my children from life's difficulties and pain - and that in the long run, I shouldn't want to. Like Mammi, I have to have faith that God's will is best, and that He will be glorified in my family's growth through hard times.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher with no strings attached. This review represents my honest reactions to another satisfying read from Vannetta Chapman - see if you don't agree!
The story unfolds slowly - Chapman wants you to identify with her characters, and spends the time needed to show you they are multi-dimensional. Anna is a young Amish woman who has left her parents' family in Indiana to spend a year with her Mammi and aenti and onkel in Cody' Creek, Oklahoma. She makes an Englisch friend when reporter Choloe stops by the produce stand where Anna reads library books between customers. We soon see that each of these young women is examining her purpose in life (beyond their mothers' desire for marriage and grandchildren!). Add Jacob Graber, who has left his parents' farm in New York to travel as a migrant Amish farmhand while he considers God's will. I have to say that I especially enjoyed the chapters when Jacob defends another worker from a bully, which leads to his ending up in (surprise!) Oklahoma. How often our plans are derailed (for good) by our unplanned actions. By following our hearts, we wind up just where God wants us.
But what if where God wants us is not where we want to be? Anna is injured by a tornado that sweeps through her onkel's farm during harvest time. Her spinal cord is severed, and she is left a paraplegic. She struggles with depression and re-evaluating her purpose on earth. Here is where we see her aenti and onkel blossom as they care for her. And the power of her Mammi's faith and love. Like the paralytic in the gospel account, it is the faith of others that brings the impossible healing Anna had given up hoping for.
The "healing" mentioned in the title is, surprisingly, not the climax of the book. I won't spoil your read by giving away too many details, but Chapman's point is that true happiness is not getting what we want, but wanting what we get. Accepting God's will is the only path to contentment. By the end of this story, we see Anna and Jacob and Chloe realizing that familial love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle, any storm.
I think this book was very realistic as it dealt with the emotional and spiritual struggles of each character. Anna's dreams were described in such a way that I could actually feel her confusion as frustration. Both young women's relationships with their mothers reminded me as a mom that I cannot protect my children from life's difficulties and pain - and that in the long run, I shouldn't want to. Like Mammi, I have to have faith that God's will is best, and that He will be glorified in my family's growth through hard times.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher with no strings attached. This review represents my honest reactions to another satisfying read from Vannetta Chapman - see if you don't agree!
November 16, 2019
What a wonderful thought provoking book. I so enjoyed this story of Anna, Jacob and Ruth that I even told my husband about it. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. It will really make you think about the power of prayer and faith.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2015
Anna’s Healing ( Plain and Simple Miracles)
By: Vannetta Chapman
“Anna’s Healing” is a brand new collections by our most famous author, Vannetta Chapman, of Amish , mystery, romance , and Miracles. I have read almost all of Ms. Chapman’s books and I have loved them all . Each one seems to be better than the last one. She does not disappoint me . Her stories are well written and easy to read. Do you believe in Miracles ? I do, and this book is a very good example of how we should put out trust and have deep faith in God. Anna is a young Amish woman who has left her family and home in Indiana to go and live with her uncle, aunt, and grandmother for a while in Cody’s Creek. Anna’s uncle still has his team of horses , but he also can use a tractor to help him in his district. Jacob is a young man who is trying to find a place to settle down. He ends up on Anna’s uncle’s farm to help out. One day there was tornadoes in the area and Anna was caught outside in the weather. She is left in a wheel chair because of her injuries . One day Anna wakes up and a miracle has happened. What is the miracle and is it for only a little while or is it for good? What is the miracle and how does everyone accept it? I really loved this story and the characters . This is one of those books that when you start reading you do not want to put it down till you finish it.
I was given a copy of this book by the author and Harvest House Publishers for my honest review, which I have given.
By: Vannetta Chapman
“Anna’s Healing” is a brand new collections by our most famous author, Vannetta Chapman, of Amish , mystery, romance , and Miracles. I have read almost all of Ms. Chapman’s books and I have loved them all . Each one seems to be better than the last one. She does not disappoint me . Her stories are well written and easy to read. Do you believe in Miracles ? I do, and this book is a very good example of how we should put out trust and have deep faith in God. Anna is a young Amish woman who has left her family and home in Indiana to go and live with her uncle, aunt, and grandmother for a while in Cody’s Creek. Anna’s uncle still has his team of horses , but he also can use a tractor to help him in his district. Jacob is a young man who is trying to find a place to settle down. He ends up on Anna’s uncle’s farm to help out. One day there was tornadoes in the area and Anna was caught outside in the weather. She is left in a wheel chair because of her injuries . One day Anna wakes up and a miracle has happened. What is the miracle and is it for only a little while or is it for good? What is the miracle and how does everyone accept it? I really loved this story and the characters . This is one of those books that when you start reading you do not want to put it down till you finish it.
I was given a copy of this book by the author and Harvest House Publishers for my honest review, which I have given.
November 2, 2015
Dramatic and emotional, Anna’s Healing is a story that lingered in my mind long after the last page had been turned. I loved this beautiful story of faith and family!
Introduced to Cody’s Creek in the e-short Brian’s Choice, I was eager to revisit this Amish community. I loved getting to know Anna and her friends and especially enjoyed the relationship she shared with her grandmother Ruth. Anna’s thoughts and emotions are palpable throughout the story, and her journey is one that will touch your heart. I can’t wait to read more of the Plain and Simple Miracles series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Introduced to Cody’s Creek in the e-short Brian’s Choice, I was eager to revisit this Amish community. I loved getting to know Anna and her friends and especially enjoyed the relationship she shared with her grandmother Ruth. Anna’s thoughts and emotions are palpable throughout the story, and her journey is one that will touch your heart. I can’t wait to read more of the Plain and Simple Miracles series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
September 22, 2015
Anna's Healing made an extraordinary impact on me as I grew to love the characters in this book! There were moments while reading this story that my emotions got the best of me. Each character represents someone real, someone in our lives, loved ones, friends, community. A freak tornado not only broke Anna's back, it also broke her spirit. Her entire world collapsed around her. Difficulty accepting help from others isn't an unusual reaction in the event of major life changes, but Anna fought her reality with ferocity even through her miraculous healing.
Those involved in Anna's life became heroes in my sentiments. Her close Englisch friend, Chloe, Jacob Graber, her church community and most of all, her grandmother, were very strong components in this poignant story. I felt a tangible closeness to Anna's grandmother, a woman of strong and unwavering faith. Her life represented a deep peace and inner strength. She became my hero throughout Anna's story. Always a balm to Anna, she spent long hours reading scriptures and praying for Anna. I was deeply affected by that devotion. Jacob is an extraordinary character, a man of character and devotion. I connected with him immediately as he sought peace and harmony in his own life and eventually demonstrated that devotion to Anna.
Every day Anna awakened with her grandmother at her side, reading scriptures and praying. "Do you believe in miracles, child? Our Gotte is a Gotte of miracles." Reticent, Anna is reluctant to take on that conversation. Haunted with recurrent dreams, Anna struggles to comprehend their meaning. Her grandmother, always attentive, always at Anna's side through the worst of the storms, had an understanding of those dreams. She believed.
Are miracles real? Do you believe in miracles? It has been written that miracles do exist with examples to substantiate those theories. Anna's Healing is a pinnacle in faith, a faith that is so well represented in this story that my own beliefs were charged. This book is written with such depth of feeling that it stirs the soul and awakens the senses. I highly recommend this restorative depiction of how an entire community is affected by the events in one person's life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Those involved in Anna's life became heroes in my sentiments. Her close Englisch friend, Chloe, Jacob Graber, her church community and most of all, her grandmother, were very strong components in this poignant story. I felt a tangible closeness to Anna's grandmother, a woman of strong and unwavering faith. Her life represented a deep peace and inner strength. She became my hero throughout Anna's story. Always a balm to Anna, she spent long hours reading scriptures and praying for Anna. I was deeply affected by that devotion. Jacob is an extraordinary character, a man of character and devotion. I connected with him immediately as he sought peace and harmony in his own life and eventually demonstrated that devotion to Anna.
Every day Anna awakened with her grandmother at her side, reading scriptures and praying. "Do you believe in miracles, child? Our Gotte is a Gotte of miracles." Reticent, Anna is reluctant to take on that conversation. Haunted with recurrent dreams, Anna struggles to comprehend their meaning. Her grandmother, always attentive, always at Anna's side through the worst of the storms, had an understanding of those dreams. She believed.
Are miracles real? Do you believe in miracles? It has been written that miracles do exist with examples to substantiate those theories. Anna's Healing is a pinnacle in faith, a faith that is so well represented in this story that my own beliefs were charged. This book is written with such depth of feeling that it stirs the soul and awakens the senses. I highly recommend this restorative depiction of how an entire community is affected by the events in one person's life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
September 22, 2015
About the Book:
Anna's Healing is the first book in a brand-new collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman. These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.
When a tornado strikes the farms surrounding Cody's Creek, Anna Schwartz's life is changed forever. She suffers a spinal cord injury and suddenly finds herself learning to live as a paraplegic.
Three people--Chloe Roberts, Jacob Graber, and Ruth Schwartz--join forces to help Anna through her darkest days. Chloe is an Englischer who writes for the local paper. Jacob has recently arrived in town and stays on as a hired hand at her uncle's. And Ruth is her grandmother, a woman of deep faith and a compassionate spirit.
Then one morning Anna wakes and finds herself healed. How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what is she to do now? Her life is again turned upside down as the world's attention is drawn to this young Amish girl who has experienced the unexplainable.
My Review:
Simplicity is the Amish way. You can't have utter chaos, that goes completely against God and against the Amish community. You just can't!
So when tragedy strikes and it leaves it's ugly marks, things get complicated and chaotic real quick and a lifestyle that seemed oh so simple starts to unravel and what is seen behind the unraveling is beyond hurtful to say the least.
Anna is struck down in the most unlikely of circumstances, a tornado hits Cody's Creek and the devastation left behind will stay with Anna forever. She becomes a paraplegic as a result and life just got real, real quick. She has to learn what her life will be like because now no matter how devastating it is she will have a new life and different one, entirely.
Can God still heal today? Can the events that took place in the Bible still happen today? You will find that in Anna's Healing, that it most certainly can and will if only we believe.
Vannetta Chapman is a brilliant writer. She draws you in with the simple and when she lowers the "hammer" as they say, it is light as a feather and you don't realize it until you turn that last page. She has strong characters that make you fall in love with them right away and her writing is cohesive and steady throughout. I love her writing and she knows I'm her biggest fan!
**Disclosure** this book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House.
Anna's Healing is the first book in a brand-new collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman. These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.
When a tornado strikes the farms surrounding Cody's Creek, Anna Schwartz's life is changed forever. She suffers a spinal cord injury and suddenly finds herself learning to live as a paraplegic.
Three people--Chloe Roberts, Jacob Graber, and Ruth Schwartz--join forces to help Anna through her darkest days. Chloe is an Englischer who writes for the local paper. Jacob has recently arrived in town and stays on as a hired hand at her uncle's. And Ruth is her grandmother, a woman of deep faith and a compassionate spirit.
Then one morning Anna wakes and finds herself healed. How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what is she to do now? Her life is again turned upside down as the world's attention is drawn to this young Amish girl who has experienced the unexplainable.
My Review:
Simplicity is the Amish way. You can't have utter chaos, that goes completely against God and against the Amish community. You just can't!
So when tragedy strikes and it leaves it's ugly marks, things get complicated and chaotic real quick and a lifestyle that seemed oh so simple starts to unravel and what is seen behind the unraveling is beyond hurtful to say the least.
Anna is struck down in the most unlikely of circumstances, a tornado hits Cody's Creek and the devastation left behind will stay with Anna forever. She becomes a paraplegic as a result and life just got real, real quick. She has to learn what her life will be like because now no matter how devastating it is she will have a new life and different one, entirely.
Can God still heal today? Can the events that took place in the Bible still happen today? You will find that in Anna's Healing, that it most certainly can and will if only we believe.
Vannetta Chapman is a brilliant writer. She draws you in with the simple and when she lowers the "hammer" as they say, it is light as a feather and you don't realize it until you turn that last page. She has strong characters that make you fall in love with them right away and her writing is cohesive and steady throughout. I love her writing and she knows I'm her biggest fan!
**Disclosure** this book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House.
October 10, 2015
Anna’s Healing was a very thought provoking book. It also has a peaceful quality to it. I felt as if I was part of Anna’s family, witnessing everything that was taking place in Anna’s life.
In this story, the reader follows the fairly normal day to day routine of a young woman named Anna. She has some questions about what she really wants from her life, isn’t sure if she is ready to settle down with just any young man, and has moved to a small community in Oklahoma. Things are pretty calm and ordinary…until they aren’t. Anna ends up gravely and irreversibly injured. She’s paralyzed.
There were many different emotions that I experienced while following Anna’s journey. Her despair at her situation was palpable, as was her frustration and sometimes even anger. It was painful to see her also being plagued by other health issues. Watching her family and close friends stick by her and try to help her any way they could was heartwarming. Seeing her grandmother praying scripture over her was beautiful.
And then one day, Anna is healed. It is impossible. It is miraculous. How can it even be true? There were many reactions to Anna’s healing. It was interesting to see the real heart nature of some people. The response that Anna received after her healing was very telling and seemed to be directly linked to the inner hurts of certain people.
Anna’s Healing was a beautiful story. It highlighted the importance of faith in a God who is still able to perform miracles. There is also a sweet romance flowing through the story that I enjoyed a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
In this story, the reader follows the fairly normal day to day routine of a young woman named Anna. She has some questions about what she really wants from her life, isn’t sure if she is ready to settle down with just any young man, and has moved to a small community in Oklahoma. Things are pretty calm and ordinary…until they aren’t. Anna ends up gravely and irreversibly injured. She’s paralyzed.
There were many different emotions that I experienced while following Anna’s journey. Her despair at her situation was palpable, as was her frustration and sometimes even anger. It was painful to see her also being plagued by other health issues. Watching her family and close friends stick by her and try to help her any way they could was heartwarming. Seeing her grandmother praying scripture over her was beautiful.
And then one day, Anna is healed. It is impossible. It is miraculous. How can it even be true? There were many reactions to Anna’s healing. It was interesting to see the real heart nature of some people. The response that Anna received after her healing was very telling and seemed to be directly linked to the inner hurts of certain people.
Anna’s Healing was a beautiful story. It highlighted the importance of faith in a God who is still able to perform miracles. There is also a sweet romance flowing through the story that I enjoyed a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
October 5, 2015
Anna's Healing,***** Plain and Simple Miracles series by Vannetta Chapman
Anna Schwartz has moved to the Amish community of Cody's Creek, Oklahoma to live with her Aunt Erin, Uncle Samuel and grandmother Ruth. While helping bring in the harvest Anna suffers a tragic injury during a tornado and now must learn to live her life in a wheelchair. Helping her to adjust, especially on the darkest days, is her Englisher friend, newspaper reporter Chloe Roberts, her uncle's hired hand Jacob Graber and her loving grandmother Ruth. Ruth's strong, unwavering faith, prayers for Anna and scripture reading help to heal her spirit. Then an unexpected miracle happens......
Ruth is one of my favorite characters in this story. I love her devotion to Anna—all her family really—she stayed by Anna's side and continually prayed and read scripture over her, never wavering in her belief that God is a God of miracles. Jacob is another of my favorite characters, a man of faith, strong character with struggles of his own and also devoted to Anna. There are emotional scenes that had me in tears, on the edge of my seat and smiling as I read—an emotional roller-coaster ride “for sure and for certain”. Anna's devastation of never walking again can be felt as she struggles to adjust and those difficult days that make that adjustment harder. An unexpected disappearance brought tensions to the family and community—and me—keeping me reading long past my bedtime. This is one of those books that captured me from the first page to the last, making it hard to put down and will stay with me a long time.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for my honest review~
Anna Schwartz has moved to the Amish community of Cody's Creek, Oklahoma to live with her Aunt Erin, Uncle Samuel and grandmother Ruth. While helping bring in the harvest Anna suffers a tragic injury during a tornado and now must learn to live her life in a wheelchair. Helping her to adjust, especially on the darkest days, is her Englisher friend, newspaper reporter Chloe Roberts, her uncle's hired hand Jacob Graber and her loving grandmother Ruth. Ruth's strong, unwavering faith, prayers for Anna and scripture reading help to heal her spirit. Then an unexpected miracle happens......
Ruth is one of my favorite characters in this story. I love her devotion to Anna—all her family really—she stayed by Anna's side and continually prayed and read scripture over her, never wavering in her belief that God is a God of miracles. Jacob is another of my favorite characters, a man of faith, strong character with struggles of his own and also devoted to Anna. There are emotional scenes that had me in tears, on the edge of my seat and smiling as I read—an emotional roller-coaster ride “for sure and for certain”. Anna's devastation of never walking again can be felt as she struggles to adjust and those difficult days that make that adjustment harder. An unexpected disappearance brought tensions to the family and community—and me—keeping me reading long past my bedtime. This is one of those books that captured me from the first page to the last, making it hard to put down and will stay with me a long time.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for my honest review~
September 18, 2015
Anna's Healing is a wonderfully written story of what only God can do. Anna moves from her family home to her Aunt and Uncle's house where her grandmother is also living. She is restless and uncertain of what she wants to do with her life.
Jacob is also wandering about going from job to job and town to town searching for something he can't quite grasp. He too has left his families home.
Anna and Jacob meet when he happens upon their small town and begins working for Anna's uncle. They are settling into a routine when a devastating tornado suddenly heads toward their farm finding Anna in the corn field harvesting behind two skidish horses. They rear up tossing Anna onto the ground. Jacob finds her and calls for help. She soon finds out while in the hospital that she's paralyzed from the waist down. After spending time in the hospital and then rehab, she goes back to her Aunt and Uncle's farm in a wheelchair. She spends days in despair lamenting the fact that she cannot walk. Her English friend Chloe takes her to visit her mother who is a quilter and makes and donates quilts to Project Linus, that gives blankets to children experiencing loss and needing comfort. Anna decides that she can make use of her time by using her quilting skills she's learned to help others.
Her grandmother Ruth never gives up hope and spends countless hours by Anna's bedside reading the Bible and praying for a miracle. Ruth is a strong woman of faith that believes in a miracle for Anna's healing.
This story was very emotional for me for three reasons. My brother had back surgery a year ago that resulted in him being permanently paralyzed from the waist down. I thought a lot about him as I read Anna's story. Her friend Chloe's father died from MS. Our pastor's wife has MS and can only move her head. She talks but it is a struggle for her. And a few short years ago a killer tornado hit our city of Tuscaloosa taking many lives and destroying homes and businesses along its path. There are still some areas that have never fully recovered.
I could probably identify with this story more than most but in spite of the emotions I felt, I really enjoyed reading and learning about these characters and how God truly performed a miracle so amazing that it could not be explained.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion which I have given.
Jacob is also wandering about going from job to job and town to town searching for something he can't quite grasp. He too has left his families home.
Anna and Jacob meet when he happens upon their small town and begins working for Anna's uncle. They are settling into a routine when a devastating tornado suddenly heads toward their farm finding Anna in the corn field harvesting behind two skidish horses. They rear up tossing Anna onto the ground. Jacob finds her and calls for help. She soon finds out while in the hospital that she's paralyzed from the waist down. After spending time in the hospital and then rehab, she goes back to her Aunt and Uncle's farm in a wheelchair. She spends days in despair lamenting the fact that she cannot walk. Her English friend Chloe takes her to visit her mother who is a quilter and makes and donates quilts to Project Linus, that gives blankets to children experiencing loss and needing comfort. Anna decides that she can make use of her time by using her quilting skills she's learned to help others.
Her grandmother Ruth never gives up hope and spends countless hours by Anna's bedside reading the Bible and praying for a miracle. Ruth is a strong woman of faith that believes in a miracle for Anna's healing.
This story was very emotional for me for three reasons. My brother had back surgery a year ago that resulted in him being permanently paralyzed from the waist down. I thought a lot about him as I read Anna's story. Her friend Chloe's father died from MS. Our pastor's wife has MS and can only move her head. She talks but it is a struggle for her. And a few short years ago a killer tornado hit our city of Tuscaloosa taking many lives and destroying homes and businesses along its path. There are still some areas that have never fully recovered.
I could probably identify with this story more than most but in spite of the emotions I felt, I really enjoyed reading and learning about these characters and how God truly performed a miracle so amazing that it could not be explained.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion which I have given.
November 2, 2015
When you pick up a Vannetta Chapman book you can count on a good read. Anna's Healing does not disappoint.
The foundation of the story is that of a young Amish woman,who is somewhat past typical marriageable age in the Amish community and is currently living a year with an aunt and uncle who are childless and her grandmother in a different Amish community from which she was raised. Insert into her life a young Amish man who has chosen to live the life of a migrant, far away from his own Amish roots in Florida. As these two meet, they develop a friendship and bond.
A third character who plays a major role in the story is non-Amish who is a reporter or writer for an area newspaper. This young lady, Chloe, and Anna develop a very strong friendship. Anna's story and that of the Amish around her is told by Chloe in the newspaper.
Disaster strikes leaving Anna paralyzed. Chloe's coverage of the disaster helps to generate interest and financial assistance for Anna's medical care. Then the unexpected happens. Anna is healed.
Overnight Anna becomes a spectacle which is unheard of amongst the Amish because they chose to live a quiet life separate and not public. People throng to Anna's uncle's farm waiting for a touch or healing to come from Anna for their own need.
This is the story of a miracle of healing and the impact it has on the individual and those around her. Who is the source of the miracle? Who can work a miracle of healing? Why isn't everyone healed who needs to be healed? These are the questions asked in the story just as they are asked by real people living real lives in today's world.
Anna's Healing took place (this is a story) in the form of her being miraculously enabled to used her legs to walk again. And while the physical healing was truly wonderful, the real healing was in the heart and spirit.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Harvest House Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for the review.
The foundation of the story is that of a young Amish woman,who is somewhat past typical marriageable age in the Amish community and is currently living a year with an aunt and uncle who are childless and her grandmother in a different Amish community from which she was raised. Insert into her life a young Amish man who has chosen to live the life of a migrant, far away from his own Amish roots in Florida. As these two meet, they develop a friendship and bond.
A third character who plays a major role in the story is non-Amish who is a reporter or writer for an area newspaper. This young lady, Chloe, and Anna develop a very strong friendship. Anna's story and that of the Amish around her is told by Chloe in the newspaper.
Disaster strikes leaving Anna paralyzed. Chloe's coverage of the disaster helps to generate interest and financial assistance for Anna's medical care. Then the unexpected happens. Anna is healed.
Overnight Anna becomes a spectacle which is unheard of amongst the Amish because they chose to live a quiet life separate and not public. People throng to Anna's uncle's farm waiting for a touch or healing to come from Anna for their own need.
This is the story of a miracle of healing and the impact it has on the individual and those around her. Who is the source of the miracle? Who can work a miracle of healing? Why isn't everyone healed who needs to be healed? These are the questions asked in the story just as they are asked by real people living real lives in today's world.
Anna's Healing took place (this is a story) in the form of her being miraculously enabled to used her legs to walk again. And while the physical healing was truly wonderful, the real healing was in the heart and spirit.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Harvest House Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for the review.
September 20, 2015
Anna Schwartz has come to Cody’s Creek to stay with her Aenti Erin and Onkel Samuel (and her dear mammi). Her reasons are strangely normal…
1. she came from a large family and wanted a little space to herself,
2. everyone was always asking “When are you marrying, Anna?”,
3. she wanted to see more of the world than Goshen, Indiana, and
4. she missed her mammi and wanted to spend time with her.
Anna soon makes friends with Chloe Roberts, a local reporter for the Mayes County Chronicle. Although when they first meet, Chloe is writing a column on the growth of cottage industries among Amish families, they soon become friends.
Soon Jacob Graber arrives… and he’s a bit different than most Amish.
1. he left his family in upstate New York, to travel the country
2. stopping to help out in communities, earning money to move on to the next new adventure…
3. and he has no plans — or reason — to stop… yet.
Soon after meeting Jacob, Anna is caught out in the fields working when a tornado causes her horses to bolt — and she ends up in a wheelchair. So what really happens afterwards? And why, when months later she wakes one morning to find she can walk again, aren’t people happy for her?
These are questions you can only answer after reading Anna’s Healing.
Vannetta Chapman is a brilliant author – she writes wonderful Amish books. This is an amazing story in itself; I would not — could not — have seen what was coming…
I urge you to read Anna’s Healing… you’ll be so glad you did!
Buy it! Read it! Share it!
July 13, 2016
This book is the first in a new series. Vannetta Chapman will touch your emotions. She makes her characters real, with their own flaws. Vannetta writes with heart and with a little suspense.
Anna breaks her back in a tornado and she is told she will be in a wheel chair for the rest of her life. She goes into a period of feeling sorry for herself. I can empathize with this story-I was in a wheel chair the better part of three years due to a car wreck. Its hard to ask others for help and knowing you don't have a choice. After multiple surgeries I can walk again. All praise goes to God.
Anna learns to listen to her Grandmother, whose faith her and the very compassionate spirit that is so much a part of her Grandmother Ruth. Ruth , Chole - Anna's friend, and Jacob (new to the area) join together to help Anna past the rough times.
I highly recommend this book from Vannetta Chapman. I couldn't put the book down. I received this book from the author to read and leave a honest review. All opinions are my own.
Anna breaks her back in a tornado and she is told she will be in a wheel chair for the rest of her life. She goes into a period of feeling sorry for herself. I can empathize with this story-I was in a wheel chair the better part of three years due to a car wreck. Its hard to ask others for help and knowing you don't have a choice. After multiple surgeries I can walk again. All praise goes to God.
Anna learns to listen to her Grandmother, whose faith her and the very compassionate spirit that is so much a part of her Grandmother Ruth. Ruth , Chole - Anna's friend, and Jacob (new to the area) join together to help Anna past the rough times.
I highly recommend this book from Vannetta Chapman. I couldn't put the book down. I received this book from the author to read and leave a honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2017
This was an interesting book to me. While I'm not paralysed, like Anna was, I do have multiple chronic and debilitating health issues that have no known cure, so the topic of healing was intriguing to me.
I liked how the subject was approached: that ultimately, God has the power to heal, but the business of who He chooses to heal, and when that healing comes is entirely up to His purposes and timing. This aligns with what I personally have come to understand about healing.
I liked how Anna, Jacob, and Chloe each in their turn learned to become the people God wanted them to be with their experiences with Anna's accident and subsequent healing. I especially loved how Mammi Ruth was there in the background, just praying for and loving everyone involved.
I liked how the subject was approached: that ultimately, God has the power to heal, but the business of who He chooses to heal, and when that healing comes is entirely up to His purposes and timing. This aligns with what I personally have come to understand about healing.
I liked how Anna, Jacob, and Chloe each in their turn learned to become the people God wanted them to be with their experiences with Anna's accident and subsequent healing. I especially loved how Mammi Ruth was there in the background, just praying for and loving everyone involved.
October 30, 2021
This read definitely has one of the most unusual storylines. I enjoyed this book about an Amish women who is paralyzed in a tragic accident and then miraculously healed a few months later. The story is interesting and I really liked the main characters in this book. There are a couple additional twists and surprises in the story that made it even more compelling. Good read!
August 12, 2016
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2aQeuyY
If awards were based on personal impact, Anna’s Healing would win a gold medal. This story pulled me in from Chloe’s question in the very first sentence – “Was Anna healed?” – and touched me over and over, page after page. I read it slowly, with tears in my eyes more than once. This won’t be a typical review because Anna’s Healing isn’t a typical book.
Chloe, a reporter and close friend to Anna, came to realize “that writing was more than a job, it was a calling” – and I think that’s exactly the way Vannetta Chapman approaches her writing. No matter what genre she writes in, Vannetta writes in a lyrical style, her storylines entertain, and she has a way with characters, making them feel so real that they could be your neighbors. But in this Plain and Simple Miracles series, she delves into what it really means to be a Christian in a way that is life-changing for the reader.
Here are the main characters . . .
-- Anna had a restless spirit, felt smothered by her large family, and moved to Cody’s Creek in northeast Oklahoma to “find the answers to how she was supposed to live her life, and where, and with whom.”
-- Jacob was also restless and had a need to travel, until Anna and her family’s needs gave him a reason to stay. On a romantic level, Jacob represents the kind of love we all long for … a love that sees with the heart, that sees beyond outside appearance, that puts the other’s needs before his own.
-- Chloe reported for a local newspaper, developed a deep friendship with Anna, and her articles beautifully convey the stories of Anna and the community. She learns how precious life and relationships are.
Anna’s paralyzation as the result of a freak accident during a tornado becomes the pivotal point of the story. Bishop Levi quotes an Amish proverb to Jacob that has an application to all of us: “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Questions are asked, questions for which there are no easy answers: Why did this happen? Why hasn’t God answered my prayer for healing? Why me? Anna experienced all that anyone would – depression, a feeling that life no longer had meaning – but what makes this story so eye opening is watching the positive ways in which the community and those closest to Anna responded.
There was so much that resonated with me in Anna’s Healing . . . the importance of asking what God wants us to learn in difficult times . . . that life is precious and should be lived to the fullest . . . and a believing faith most of all. My favorite character was Ruth, Anna’s grandmother, for her prayers literally bathed Anna in the Psalms as she continuously prayed and believed in Anna’s healing. I want to be more like Ruth.
We always think of healing as physical, but I think the real healing in this story, as in life, is of the heart. To a certain extent, the characters take secondary roles – for there is only one main character, and that is God. Anna’s dreams or visions play a moving part, and the one where all of her loved ones were together celebrating drew many tears of happiness from me: “The scene at the table, in the center of the harvest, was a promise of another reunion – one that would last for all eternity. A holy gathering of those she loved – both those present and those who had gone ahead.”
Anna’s Healing was a 2016 Christy Award finalist, and deservedly so. Read it even if you don’t particularly enjoy Amish fiction, for it is so much more.
Very highly recommended.
Thank you to Vannetta Chapman and Harvest House Publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
If awards were based on personal impact, Anna’s Healing would win a gold medal. This story pulled me in from Chloe’s question in the very first sentence – “Was Anna healed?” – and touched me over and over, page after page. I read it slowly, with tears in my eyes more than once. This won’t be a typical review because Anna’s Healing isn’t a typical book.
Chloe, a reporter and close friend to Anna, came to realize “that writing was more than a job, it was a calling” – and I think that’s exactly the way Vannetta Chapman approaches her writing. No matter what genre she writes in, Vannetta writes in a lyrical style, her storylines entertain, and she has a way with characters, making them feel so real that they could be your neighbors. But in this Plain and Simple Miracles series, she delves into what it really means to be a Christian in a way that is life-changing for the reader.
Here are the main characters . . .
-- Anna had a restless spirit, felt smothered by her large family, and moved to Cody’s Creek in northeast Oklahoma to “find the answers to how she was supposed to live her life, and where, and with whom.”
-- Jacob was also restless and had a need to travel, until Anna and her family’s needs gave him a reason to stay. On a romantic level, Jacob represents the kind of love we all long for … a love that sees with the heart, that sees beyond outside appearance, that puts the other’s needs before his own.
-- Chloe reported for a local newspaper, developed a deep friendship with Anna, and her articles beautifully convey the stories of Anna and the community. She learns how precious life and relationships are.
Anna’s paralyzation as the result of a freak accident during a tornado becomes the pivotal point of the story. Bishop Levi quotes an Amish proverb to Jacob that has an application to all of us: “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Questions are asked, questions for which there are no easy answers: Why did this happen? Why hasn’t God answered my prayer for healing? Why me? Anna experienced all that anyone would – depression, a feeling that life no longer had meaning – but what makes this story so eye opening is watching the positive ways in which the community and those closest to Anna responded.
There was so much that resonated with me in Anna’s Healing . . . the importance of asking what God wants us to learn in difficult times . . . that life is precious and should be lived to the fullest . . . and a believing faith most of all. My favorite character was Ruth, Anna’s grandmother, for her prayers literally bathed Anna in the Psalms as she continuously prayed and believed in Anna’s healing. I want to be more like Ruth.
We always think of healing as physical, but I think the real healing in this story, as in life, is of the heart. To a certain extent, the characters take secondary roles – for there is only one main character, and that is God. Anna’s dreams or visions play a moving part, and the one where all of her loved ones were together celebrating drew many tears of happiness from me: “The scene at the table, in the center of the harvest, was a promise of another reunion – one that would last for all eternity. A holy gathering of those she loved – both those present and those who had gone ahead.”
Anna’s Healing was a 2016 Christy Award finalist, and deservedly so. Read it even if you don’t particularly enjoy Amish fiction, for it is so much more.
Very highly recommended.
Thank you to Vannetta Chapman and Harvest House Publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2015
I just finished Vannetta Chapman’s latest book Anna’s Healing. Anna Schwartz has moved from her home in Goshen, Indiana to Cody’s Creek, Oklahoma to live with her Uncle Samuel, Aunt Erin, and her grandmother, Ruth. She is helping with the corn harvest when a tornado touches down. The horses take off and Anna is thrown from the wagon. Jacob Graber, a young Amish man who is a traveling farm worker, finds her first and saves her from the second tornado. Anna is airlifted to Tulsa where it is discovered she has suffered a spinal injury. She has a complete break in her lower spine. The doctor states that she will not be able to walk. Anna is confined to a wheelchair and the family as well as the community work on revamping her Uncle Samuel’s home to suit a wheelchair. Anna’s accident turns out to be a blessing for the family. It changes her dour Uncle Samuel and Aunt Erin. They start becoming more sociable, friendly, and a stronger faith.
Anna’s friend, Chloe Roberts is there for Anna. Chloe met Anna while writing an article on produce stands in Amish country for Mayes County Chronicle. They become friends and starting spending more time together. She also introduced Anna to her mother who is involved in making quilts for Project Linus. Anna starts making colorful little quilts for the project. Jacob and Anna grow closer during this time, but Anna does not feel that she would be a good wife. Jacob states he is willing to wait.
Nine months later after being ill for some time and everyone thinking Anna would not recover, Anna wakes up and can move her feet. She gets up and can walk. Everyone is shocked and thrilled. The doctor does a new MRI and Anna is completely recovered. The media flock to her uncle’s farm as well as people who want her to heal them. Is it a miracle? How did it happen? How will this affect Anna’s family and friends?
Anna's Healing is well-written and interesting. Is there such a thing as miracles? The prologue and epilogue are written from Chloe’s point-of-view. The rest of the book is written as third person with an overall perspective (but focuses on Anna). The book is heavy on scripture as Anna’s Mammi frequently quotes scripture and prayer. Can prayer and a strong faith make a difference? I did not enjoy Anna’s Healing as well as Vannetta Chapman’s other books. I found some things to be a little odd in the book. For instance they let Anna goes off by herself when people are trying to get her (and they have a Governor’s special task force protecting her and the farm). This book will leave with you questions and you will ponder about it after you have finished reading the book (which is what books are supposed to do). Some sections in the books were easy to read and others were more difficult (like slogging through a mud). Overall, I enjoyed Anna’s Healing, and I look forward to reading more books by Vannetta Chapman. I give Anna’s Healing 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of Anna’s Healing from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Anna’s friend, Chloe Roberts is there for Anna. Chloe met Anna while writing an article on produce stands in Amish country for Mayes County Chronicle. They become friends and starting spending more time together. She also introduced Anna to her mother who is involved in making quilts for Project Linus. Anna starts making colorful little quilts for the project. Jacob and Anna grow closer during this time, but Anna does not feel that she would be a good wife. Jacob states he is willing to wait.
Nine months later after being ill for some time and everyone thinking Anna would not recover, Anna wakes up and can move her feet. She gets up and can walk. Everyone is shocked and thrilled. The doctor does a new MRI and Anna is completely recovered. The media flock to her uncle’s farm as well as people who want her to heal them. Is it a miracle? How did it happen? How will this affect Anna’s family and friends?
Anna's Healing is well-written and interesting. Is there such a thing as miracles? The prologue and epilogue are written from Chloe’s point-of-view. The rest of the book is written as third person with an overall perspective (but focuses on Anna). The book is heavy on scripture as Anna’s Mammi frequently quotes scripture and prayer. Can prayer and a strong faith make a difference? I did not enjoy Anna’s Healing as well as Vannetta Chapman’s other books. I found some things to be a little odd in the book. For instance they let Anna goes off by herself when people are trying to get her (and they have a Governor’s special task force protecting her and the farm). This book will leave with you questions and you will ponder about it after you have finished reading the book (which is what books are supposed to do). Some sections in the books were easy to read and others were more difficult (like slogging through a mud). Overall, I enjoyed Anna’s Healing, and I look forward to reading more books by Vannetta Chapman. I give Anna’s Healing 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of Anna’s Healing from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
September 25, 2015
Vannetta Chapman is a favorite author of mine! I have loved each and every one of her books, but I MUST say that this one is the VERY best book she has ever written. It appealed to me on every level. Certainly not your typical Amish romance!!
The story begins with a tornado that hits the farming community if Cody's Creek, Oklahoma. Anna Shwartz's life is changed forever. She suffers an injury and finds herself in a wheelchair, devastated to realize that she will remain that way the rest of her life.
Chloe, Jacob and Ruth , together, attempt to help Anna through the darkest hours that she has ever encountered. Chloe, an Englischer is a writer for a local newspaper, Jacob is a newly hired hand at her uncle's farm and Ruth is her beloved grandmother who keeps Anna true to the Amish faith with her compassion and love.
One morning, Anna experiences the unexplainable! She finds herself able to once again walk. She is healed!! But, what happens now??? Her life is once again turned upside down as her situation becomes known in the Englisch world, as the girl who actually has experienced a miracle!! Everyone wants to know how it happened and why!!
I have loved each and every one of Vannetta Chapman's books, but I do believe that this is the very BEST one that this author has ever created! If you are tired of the typical story in the Amish genre, of girl meets boy, this book is for you!! It is a VERY different tale, with meaning that stays with you long after you have finished reading the book. The message that God has an amazing plan for our lives comes through loud and clear. Vannetta's heart and soul shine through her writing!
The characters are well described in such a realistic and creative way that you immediately identify with them. At once, I felt one with Anna. Every pain, worry, challenge that she experienced , became mine. The way in which the Englisch world came together with the Amish, through unusual circumstances was unique, giving us a great example to live by- accept and appreciate those that are different from us. The characters came alive, each playing a very important part of the story.
The plot moved quickly with twists and turns around every corner. This is a novel that the reader can NOT put down. You just think that there is an answer to a problem when another block is put in the way.
The development of the plot and characters was amazing!! Do you believe in miracles?? Can God come through for us in the darkest hour?? I predict that after reading this book in Vannetta's "Plain and Simple Miracles", you will no longer just wonder. You will believe!!
Lovely to see an author let her faith and beliefs in God shine through her writing.
Definitely a five star book!!
This book was provided by Harvest House and the author, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The story begins with a tornado that hits the farming community if Cody's Creek, Oklahoma. Anna Shwartz's life is changed forever. She suffers an injury and finds herself in a wheelchair, devastated to realize that she will remain that way the rest of her life.
Chloe, Jacob and Ruth , together, attempt to help Anna through the darkest hours that she has ever encountered. Chloe, an Englischer is a writer for a local newspaper, Jacob is a newly hired hand at her uncle's farm and Ruth is her beloved grandmother who keeps Anna true to the Amish faith with her compassion and love.
One morning, Anna experiences the unexplainable! She finds herself able to once again walk. She is healed!! But, what happens now??? Her life is once again turned upside down as her situation becomes known in the Englisch world, as the girl who actually has experienced a miracle!! Everyone wants to know how it happened and why!!
I have loved each and every one of Vannetta Chapman's books, but I do believe that this is the very BEST one that this author has ever created! If you are tired of the typical story in the Amish genre, of girl meets boy, this book is for you!! It is a VERY different tale, with meaning that stays with you long after you have finished reading the book. The message that God has an amazing plan for our lives comes through loud and clear. Vannetta's heart and soul shine through her writing!
The characters are well described in such a realistic and creative way that you immediately identify with them. At once, I felt one with Anna. Every pain, worry, challenge that she experienced , became mine. The way in which the Englisch world came together with the Amish, through unusual circumstances was unique, giving us a great example to live by- accept and appreciate those that are different from us. The characters came alive, each playing a very important part of the story.
The plot moved quickly with twists and turns around every corner. This is a novel that the reader can NOT put down. You just think that there is an answer to a problem when another block is put in the way.
The development of the plot and characters was amazing!! Do you believe in miracles?? Can God come through for us in the darkest hour?? I predict that after reading this book in Vannetta's "Plain and Simple Miracles", you will no longer just wonder. You will believe!!
Lovely to see an author let her faith and beliefs in God shine through her writing.
Definitely a five star book!!
This book was provided by Harvest House and the author, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 24, 2015
Anna’s Healing by Vannetta Chapman
Anna’s Healing begins as a poignant story of a young Amish woman who moved across the country from her home in Goshen, Indiana to live with her aunt and uncle in Cody Creek, Oklahoma. Although Indiana has occasional tornadoes, Anna was not prepared for the disaster that awaited her while helping with the family’s harvest.
Thrown by the team of horses she worked with, she suffered a severed spinal cord leaving her a paraplegic. The itinerant Amish farm hand, Jacob, finds her first after the storm and comforts her, even though he has only known her a short time. They are drawn to each other by the bond of this moment and he becomes a great help to her and her family.
With her Mammi (grandmother) ever at her side, praying and reading scripture over her, believing God for a miracle, Anna has her ups and downs. She also has some moments of despair and life threatening illnesses.
Her family, thinking she might not have long to live, keep a constant vigil, but Anna has dreams that speak to her spirit and call her back to a desire to live. She wakes one morning after a year of paralysis to find herself completely healed.
Amish and English (all non Amish) are amazed by this, but begin to question how this can be? Is it truly a miracle or is it a hoax. And if it was a miracle, why did God choose to heal her and not the many others with dread disease.
Anna’s Healing is a wonderful story, sure to capture your attention as it did mine. I went from pity for Anna, to joy at her healing and sadness as people turned her joy into an inquisition. As a person who believes God has healed me, I find it very believable, but read it yourself and decide.
Anna’s Healing begins as a poignant story of a young Amish woman who moved across the country from her home in Goshen, Indiana to live with her aunt and uncle in Cody Creek, Oklahoma. Although Indiana has occasional tornadoes, Anna was not prepared for the disaster that awaited her while helping with the family’s harvest.
Thrown by the team of horses she worked with, she suffered a severed spinal cord leaving her a paraplegic. The itinerant Amish farm hand, Jacob, finds her first after the storm and comforts her, even though he has only known her a short time. They are drawn to each other by the bond of this moment and he becomes a great help to her and her family.
With her Mammi (grandmother) ever at her side, praying and reading scripture over her, believing God for a miracle, Anna has her ups and downs. She also has some moments of despair and life threatening illnesses.
Her family, thinking she might not have long to live, keep a constant vigil, but Anna has dreams that speak to her spirit and call her back to a desire to live. She wakes one morning after a year of paralysis to find herself completely healed.
Amish and English (all non Amish) are amazed by this, but begin to question how this can be? Is it truly a miracle or is it a hoax. And if it was a miracle, why did God choose to heal her and not the many others with dread disease.
Anna’s Healing is a wonderful story, sure to capture your attention as it did mine. I went from pity for Anna, to joy at her healing and sadness as people turned her joy into an inquisition. As a person who believes God has healed me, I find it very believable, but read it yourself and decide.
February 5, 2016
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is such a sweet story. Anna Schwartz’s life is turned upside down when a tornado rages through their community of Cody's Creek, leaving Anna injured and in a wheelchair for life. Anna has several special people in her life that help her cope with this life change for her. Anna lives with her sweet grandmother Ruth, a lady with a strong faith in God. Jacob Graber works for Anna's uncle and spends time helping and encouraging Anna, as well as good friend and local newspaper writer Chloe Roberts, who keeps the community up to date on Anna's progress. Three people that Anna can depend on, whatever she does with her life. Then one day Anna wakes up and can walk. What has happened to cause yet another drastic change in her life?
Vannetta Chapman does a wonderful job of weaving together a story that will stay with me for a long time. It didn't take me long to fall in love with the realistic characters in this story. My heart was aching for Anna and her struggles of living in a wheelchair at such a young age. One of the things that stood out to me in the story was the way Ms. Chapman brings out the fact that difficult situations strengthens our walk with God, and that our lives can have meaning, even when living with handicap situations. And that sometimes its in our darkest moments and most difficult situations that we can see God working the most.
This is a wonderful read, one that I highly recommend. If you enjoy Amish fiction, give Anna's Healing a try! I received this book from ……… to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This is such a sweet story. Anna Schwartz’s life is turned upside down when a tornado rages through their community of Cody's Creek, leaving Anna injured and in a wheelchair for life. Anna has several special people in her life that help her cope with this life change for her. Anna lives with her sweet grandmother Ruth, a lady with a strong faith in God. Jacob Graber works for Anna's uncle and spends time helping and encouraging Anna, as well as good friend and local newspaper writer Chloe Roberts, who keeps the community up to date on Anna's progress. Three people that Anna can depend on, whatever she does with her life. Then one day Anna wakes up and can walk. What has happened to cause yet another drastic change in her life?
Vannetta Chapman does a wonderful job of weaving together a story that will stay with me for a long time. It didn't take me long to fall in love with the realistic characters in this story. My heart was aching for Anna and her struggles of living in a wheelchair at such a young age. One of the things that stood out to me in the story was the way Ms. Chapman brings out the fact that difficult situations strengthens our walk with God, and that our lives can have meaning, even when living with handicap situations. And that sometimes its in our darkest moments and most difficult situations that we can see God working the most.
This is a wonderful read, one that I highly recommend. If you enjoy Amish fiction, give Anna's Healing a try! I received this book from ……… to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
December 3, 2015
That Was Really Awesome!
Vannetta Chapman is one of my favorite authors. For one thing, her book, A Perfect Square (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery Book 2) was the first book that I read in the Amish fiction genre, and I've been hooked ever since. Anna's Healing is just one more example of how Vannetta's talent for writing sucks you in from beginning to end, leaving you with a feeling of contentment.
Anna Schwartz is originally from Goshen, Indiana, but she has moved to Oklahoma to live with her uncle, aunt, and grandmother. After a time, she meets Chloe Roberts, a reporter, and the two become fast friends. Anna also befriends Jacob Graber, who has just moved to Oklahoma and hires on to help her uncle. One day, as Anna is helping in the fields, a tornado strikes, turning Anna's life upside down. She suffers an injury to her back which results in her ending up in a wheel chair. However, through this difficult time, Anna has the love and support of her family, Chloe, and Jacob.
Anna's grandmother is a strong woman of faith. One day she asks Anna, "Do you believe in miracles, child?" Although Anna responds that God is able to perform miracles, in her mind, she's not convinced. Then one day, it happens. Anna wakes up and is able to walk. This amazing miracle is a great thing, isn't it? That's where the story takes a turn as the author takes the reader in an unexpected direction which will leave you glued to the pages until you get to the very end, at which time you'll say, "Wow! That was really awesome!"
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
Vannetta Chapman is one of my favorite authors. For one thing, her book, A Perfect Square (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery Book 2) was the first book that I read in the Amish fiction genre, and I've been hooked ever since. Anna's Healing is just one more example of how Vannetta's talent for writing sucks you in from beginning to end, leaving you with a feeling of contentment.
Anna Schwartz is originally from Goshen, Indiana, but she has moved to Oklahoma to live with her uncle, aunt, and grandmother. After a time, she meets Chloe Roberts, a reporter, and the two become fast friends. Anna also befriends Jacob Graber, who has just moved to Oklahoma and hires on to help her uncle. One day, as Anna is helping in the fields, a tornado strikes, turning Anna's life upside down. She suffers an injury to her back which results in her ending up in a wheel chair. However, through this difficult time, Anna has the love and support of her family, Chloe, and Jacob.
Anna's grandmother is a strong woman of faith. One day she asks Anna, "Do you believe in miracles, child?" Although Anna responds that God is able to perform miracles, in her mind, she's not convinced. Then one day, it happens. Anna wakes up and is able to walk. This amazing miracle is a great thing, isn't it? That's where the story takes a turn as the author takes the reader in an unexpected direction which will leave you glued to the pages until you get to the very end, at which time you'll say, "Wow! That was really awesome!"
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
October 14, 2015
Wow, what a book. I did struggle with some things in this book, but it had more to do with the attitude of the Amish toward the miracle of the healing than it did anything else. As a life long person who believes in miracles, and has seen them in her life, the doubt blew me away. I serve such a mighty God, it really took me a bit to get past that. Now I know this is a fictional book, but the doubting of a miracle is so foreign to me, it made it too real. (I don't know if that made sense)
I loved Anna's attitude and personality at the beginning of the story before the tornado and her injury. I also loved that the author didn't make her into a sweet young woman accepting her lot in life. But it showed us the realness that a crippling injury brings to the life of any person.
My favorite character in this story is Mammi. I am sure her prayers of faith had much to do with the healing of Anna. Her upbeat attitude and constant quoting of Scripture made her faith grow. Everyone needs a grandmother in their lives like Mammi Ruth.
This book is beyond good, it is an excellent testimony (even if the book is fiction) of God's grace, mercy, and wonderful healing power. I enjoyed it so much, I am thinking of reading it again. *smile* 5 stars from this reviewer. This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
I loved Anna's attitude and personality at the beginning of the story before the tornado and her injury. I also loved that the author didn't make her into a sweet young woman accepting her lot in life. But it showed us the realness that a crippling injury brings to the life of any person.
My favorite character in this story is Mammi. I am sure her prayers of faith had much to do with the healing of Anna. Her upbeat attitude and constant quoting of Scripture made her faith grow. Everyone needs a grandmother in their lives like Mammi Ruth.
This book is beyond good, it is an excellent testimony (even if the book is fiction) of God's grace, mercy, and wonderful healing power. I enjoyed it so much, I am thinking of reading it again. *smile* 5 stars from this reviewer. This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
October 16, 2015
Anna’s Healing is an awesome page-turner of a read, and one that will linger long after the final page has been turned.
Anna’s is leading an ordinary life as any young Amish woman would, when disaster hits her area in Oklahoma, in the form of tornados. Wandering Amish man Jacob Graber is working at her Uncle Samuel’s farm and happens to find Anna as she lays severely injured on the ground.
From the blip on the back of the book you will know what it about to happen, but the depth and feelings are what makes this story so special. We all would love a Grandmother Ruth, she never left Anna’s side when she became so ill, and smothered her in prayers.
I was not surprised as to what happens when Anna is healed, who wouldn’t hope that she was a healer, and flock to her and hope beyond hope that she could save their loved one. What a though provoking and heart rendering book, you will wonder where they can go and find peace again. Be surprised how some of their fellow believers treat her, and yet I shouldn’t be it is quite common. Envy and jealously and questioning why was she healed and not my loved one, and I couldn’t blame them.
Pick this one up and you won’t want it to ever end, a totally enjoyable read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Anna’s is leading an ordinary life as any young Amish woman would, when disaster hits her area in Oklahoma, in the form of tornados. Wandering Amish man Jacob Graber is working at her Uncle Samuel’s farm and happens to find Anna as she lays severely injured on the ground.
From the blip on the back of the book you will know what it about to happen, but the depth and feelings are what makes this story so special. We all would love a Grandmother Ruth, she never left Anna’s side when she became so ill, and smothered her in prayers.
I was not surprised as to what happens when Anna is healed, who wouldn’t hope that she was a healer, and flock to her and hope beyond hope that she could save their loved one. What a though provoking and heart rendering book, you will wonder where they can go and find peace again. Be surprised how some of their fellow believers treat her, and yet I shouldn’t be it is quite common. Envy and jealously and questioning why was she healed and not my loved one, and I couldn’t blame them.
Pick this one up and you won’t want it to ever end, a totally enjoyable read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 30, 2015
Vanetta Chapman has been one of my favorite authors who specializes in novels about relationships between the Amish and Englischers. In Anna's Healing, the first book of the Plain and Simple Miracles series, the action takes place in Oklahoma. A twister causes Anna to become a paraplegic.
The accident changes not only Anna, but everyone around her. Long-held bitterness and hurts begin to be resolved in Anna's relatives and her Englisch friend, Chloe, but Anna struggles for emotional survival.
Grace, forgiveness, and struggling to understand the sovereignty of God are major themes of this moving narrative. Chapman offers forth a beautiful description of how God views the death of His children...that nugget alone makes the book worth reading!!
I wish I could meet Anna's mammi. The Amish elderly are both greatly respected and often deserving of that respect. I loved Mammi's wisdom, "I was able to be thankful again, and gratitude will bring healing every time."
As always, I eagerly anticipate Vanetta Chapman's next offering. I gratefully received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The accident changes not only Anna, but everyone around her. Long-held bitterness and hurts begin to be resolved in Anna's relatives and her Englisch friend, Chloe, but Anna struggles for emotional survival.
Grace, forgiveness, and struggling to understand the sovereignty of God are major themes of this moving narrative. Chapman offers forth a beautiful description of how God views the death of His children...that nugget alone makes the book worth reading!!
I wish I could meet Anna's mammi. The Amish elderly are both greatly respected and often deserving of that respect. I loved Mammi's wisdom, "I was able to be thankful again, and gratitude will bring healing every time."
As always, I eagerly anticipate Vanetta Chapman's next offering. I gratefully received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2015
Wow! What a magnificent book! Anna's Healing touched the core of my heart. Author Vannetta Chapman has written an amazing book with such superb style that it's touched my faith. I was totally fascinated with this story from the very beginning to the end. The characters were so realistic that I felt each emotion that they experienced. Also, there was a surprising twist I did not see coming in this book that added suspense. My recommendation is Anna's Healing by Author Vannetta Chapman is one of the best books I've ever read. I highly recommend reading this book. This book is from her Plain and Simple Miracles series. I am eagerly anticipating her next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
September 22, 2015
Anna’s Healing, By: Vannetta Chapman
Anna’s Healing is book one in Vannetta Chapman’s new series Plain and Simple Miracles.
This book is a home run in my book! I was captured right from the start with the wonderful characters and story line. There is so much heartache, pain, love, faith, and devotion. Character that seem to come to life right before your eyes. I could envision the setting of this story. It was as though I was walking along right beside these characters experiencing everything that they did. A story about faith, and Miracles. Riveting until the very end.
Be sure to get order your copy of Anna’s Healing today. 5 stars!
Anna’s Healing is book one in Vannetta Chapman’s new series Plain and Simple Miracles.
This book is a home run in my book! I was captured right from the start with the wonderful characters and story line. There is so much heartache, pain, love, faith, and devotion. Character that seem to come to life right before your eyes. I could envision the setting of this story. It was as though I was walking along right beside these characters experiencing everything that they did. A story about faith, and Miracles. Riveting until the very end.
Be sure to get order your copy of Anna’s Healing today. 5 stars!
September 29, 2015
Vannetta has done it again with her writing. As with the other books that I have read by this author I enjoyed reading it and am glad I got the chance to read it. I think this book is very well written and easy to read. Before you know it the day will be gone and the book will be finished as Vannetta has a way of drawing you in from the first page. I also really enjoyed hearing about Anna's Mammi as she sounds like a joy to sit and visit with. I do not know if I could be as strong as Anna was. She was a very strong woman. I like how this is a story of how miracles can and do happen. I think this will be a fun series and I can't wait for the next one to come out.
October 13, 2015
Anna’s Healing is the story of Anna, her healing from a tragic accident, her growth in her faith and family and a possible love interest. This story made me look at things in a different light than I had looked before. Why does God allow bad things to happen to people and why does it appear that he ignores our prayers (or does he answer in a different manner than we wish). I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books about the Amish or just a good read to make you look at things from a different point of view.
February 11, 2016
Ever wonder if miracles happen. This book is about a miracle that no one can understand. Anna is injured leaving her a paraplegic after a tornado leaves her injured. Through grief and despair Anna's grandmother never waivers in her faith that a miracle will happen. Anna becomes very sick and is dying and she has dream about rainbows which changes her life and the lives of everyone she loves.
The family deals with other problems but through it all, God's love prevails.
The family deals with other problems but through it all, God's love prevails.
September 13, 2018
Wonderful book of Faith in Prayer although it is written as fiction it made realize the power of prayer we do have an awesome God
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